Chapel News

LIVING THE QUESTIONS is a series of video presentations by contemporary theologians in an open-minded alternative to studies that attempt to give participants all the answers. The program features a series of 20-minute video segments followed by discussion. Join us anytime since each topic is independent of previous session.

Piper Hodson will facilitate this series which being at 11:30 Sunday mornings in the Choir Room

Creation as Prayer: An Opportunity for Creative Reflection
March 13, 2010
Coffee at 8:45 to 12:00
Child care provided

During this workshop of creative reflection you will have an opportunity to make a small intimate book—for important prayers, Bible readings, meaningful quotations, significant thoughts, and/or small images. Come prepared with your favorite quotations and so forth and some ideas of how you would like your personal prayer book to appear.

We will provide the materials to make the book, to write inside of it, and to decorate the pages.

• This meditative workshop is a special Lenten spiritual undertaking
• It is an opportunity to reflect and pray in a new way.
• No experience is necessary.
• Come with a favorite Bible verse, prayer, or poem in mind.
• Wear old, comfortable clothes.

Maureen Murchie presents a recital of Baroque violin music, accompanied by Zachary Carrettin, violin, Charlotte Mattax, organ, and Benjamin Hayek, violincello. The program includes music of Bach, Handel, Corelli, Leclair, Locatelli, and Baltzar. The concert is free and open to the public.

Our Annual Meeting begins with brunch after the 10:00 a.m. service on January 31. Its principal business is election of Vestry members and Synod and Deanery delegates. We will also participate in an important survey as the Diocese develops a profile for using in the upcoming episcopal election.

Our Church School students have been in rehearsal for our annual Epiphany Pageant, always a special treat. The performance hits the boards during the 10:00 a.m. service on January 24. The Magi will join us at Coffee Hour with gifts for all.

The annual Advent service of Lessons and Carols is one of the highlights of the church year. This enduring tradition began under the choral leadership of Jerald Hamilton, in whose memory the service is offered this year. Bishop Peter Beckwith will join us for this special occasion. The Canterbury Choir and Choirsters are under the direction of Linda S. Buzard. The service includes scriptural readings, congregational hymnody, and choir carols and anthems. A reception follows the service.

Rebecca Greenlee has been appointed as Province V Representative to the Student Leadership Team, the group responsible for planning the biennial National Gathering of Episcopal Students. The next "Gather" event takes place in Estes Park, Colorado, December 28, 2010--January 1, 2111.

We have received word from the Hamilton Family that Jerald Hamilton, who was for many years Organist-Choirmaster at the Chapel of St. John the Divine, died on All Saints Day. Jerry established the musical traditions that continue so vigorously at the Chapel. He is fondly remembered by generations of choir members and organ students.
Condolences can be sent to Phyllis Hamilton at 27 Abajo Drive, P.O. Box 3837, Edgewood, NM 87015. Memorials may be made to the Episcopal Church Foundation at the University of Illinois, 1011 South Wright Street, Champaign, IL 61820.
This year's Service of Advent Lessons and Carols will be offered in thanksgiving for Jerry's ministry among us. The annual service was begun under his tenure.

Millennium Development Goals Project Continued >>>

During October, every member of the congregation is invited to attend one of 7 meals in 7 of our homes to 1) learn more about the Millennium Goals and the Episcopal Relief and Development Fund, 2) get to know each other better over good food and conversation, and 3) raise money to contribute to Millennium Development Goals 1-7.

Instead of eating out at a restaurant , plan to eat in one of our homes and help out by donating (as able) the comparable restaurant price of the meal to the Episcopal Relief and Development Fund to further Millennium Development Goals. Each meal will focus on a different goal.
Saturday October 3 10:00 am brunch Wednesday October 7 6:00 pm
Saturday October 10 5:00 pm Sunday October 11 5:30 pm
Sunday October 18 5:00 pm Friday October 23 6:30 pm Saturday October 24 6:00 pm

Fund-raising is only one of our purposes, so please note that contributions are voluntary as able. Look for the sign-up sheets at coffee hour or telephone one of the following people:
Lorraine Crummey 328-2847 Chris Weaver 367-3509 Amy Weber 352-4699
Ruth Wene 344-7521 Susan Westbury 351-6288 Joanne Wheeler 344-2599

For more information about the Millennium Development Goals, The Episcopal Relief and Development Fund, and the relationship between them, please refer to What Can One Person
Do? By Sabina Alkire and Edmund Newell or look online at www.er-d.org/giftsforlife

Our exceptional Choir had its first rehearsal last Wednesday and will sing for the first time this fall at the 10:00 a.m. Eucharist on the 30th. The Choir welcomes new members, both adults and children. Children are enrolled in our Chorister Program, affiliated with the Royal School of Church Music, and after their initial training become an integral part of the Choir. If you are interested in singing or have other questions, contact our Organist-Choirmaster, Linda Buzard. Additional details are also available on the Choral Music Page.

You can preview our fall offering, Living the Questions during coffee hour on September 6 or 27. The series offers interactive discussion of brief video clips from various contemporary theologians. Previews will be at 11:30 on the 6th and the 27th, with groups to form thereafter.

A Book Club will meet every other week on Thursday evenings beginning September 10, for discussion of Francis Collins's book, The Language of God. Collins, foremerly Director of the Human Genome Project, is the new Director of the National Institutes of Health. The book explores the relation of science and faith. For more information, contact Bruce Vaughen (vaughen5@aol.com).

The Baroque Artists of Champaign-Urbana perfomed Handel's Dixit dominus as part of their Handel celebration this year. They are among the musical groups discovering the marvelous acoustics of our completed building. We look forward to hosting many more events.

The Canterbury Choristers combine choristers from the Chapel of St. John the Divine and Emmanuel Memorial Episcopal Church. Both parishes are affiliated with the Royal School of Church Music in America, an international organization dedicated to quality church music. This week St. John's is hosting the Choristers for an in-house training course, similar to the advanced courses offered by the RSCM. In essence, the Choristers are "in residence" at the Chapel this week, much like a visiting choir at a Cathedral in England. They will be singing Evensong Monday-Wednesday at 5:30 and will sing Benjamin Britten's Missa Brevis for a Choral Eucharist on the Feast of St. Barnabas on Thursday.

Thanks to all of the project supporters and participants who hosted and/or attended the seven Lenten events in support of the project. The purchases from the Episcopal Relief & Development (ERD) fund catalog are ordered. Here is how your money ($ 2,548.00) has been spent in support of UN Millennium Development Goals:

MDG #1: Eradication of Extreme Hunger and Poverty: Purchased 8 goats!
MDG #2: Achieve Universal Primary Education: Purchased education for 2 children orphaned by AIDS.
MDG # 3: Promote Gender Equality & Empower Women: Purchased 2 micro loans.
MDG #4: Reduce Child Mortality: Purchased access to mobile health clinics for 20 people, vitamins, and medicine.
MDG #5: Improve Maternal Health: Purchased 7 maternal and child health care packages.
MDG # 6: Combat Diseases: Purchased mosquito nets and training for 25 families and AIDS prevention education.
MDG # 7: Ensure Environmental Sustainability: Purchases clean water for a family.